Ministry of Education scraps ‘no detention’ policy for Classes 5 and 8 for the schools under the Centre | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Ministry of Education scraps ‘no detention’ policy for Classes 5 and 8 for the schools under the Centre

Posted 24 Dec 2024

2 min read

The new policy allows schools to fail students who do not pass their year-end exams under the new Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) (Amendment) Rules, 2024.

  • 16 states and 2 Union Territories, including Delhi, have already adopted this policy, as education is a State subject.

Key points regarding the new policy

  • Although the no-detention policy was abolished from the RTE Act in 2019, the implementation was delayed waiting for the National Curriculum Framework, released in 2023.
    • If a student fails to meet promotion criteria, they will receive additional instruction and a chance for re-examination within two months from result declaration.
    • No child can be expelled from school until they complete elementary education.

Arguments for Detention

  • Decline in learning outcomes: as >65 lakh students failed in classes 10 and 12 (2023)
  • Lack of incentives: automatic promotion takes away motivation from students to work hard and reduces accountability of teachers.

Arguments for no Detention

  • Stigmatization and higher dropout rates: due to fear of failure and being forced to repeat classes
  • Child centric learning: promoting an educational system valuing holistic development of a child rather than just academic performance.

Background of No Detention Policy

  • The no-detention policy was part of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 aiming to reduce dropout rates. 

About RTE Act, 2009

  • Every child between the ages of 6 to 14 years has the right to free and compulsory education as per 86th Constitution Amendment Act via Article 21A. 
  • The government schools shall provide free education to all the children and the schools will be managed by School Management Committees (SMC)
  • Tags :
  • No Detention Policy
  • Right To Education
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